by FIDAFIDA Nigeria, Lagos State Branch Trains CSOs on National Action Plan on Gender and Government’s Accountability for Budget Allocation
FIDA Nigeria, Lagos State branch on July 6th and 7th , 2020 held her Capacity building workshop on training of CSOs on the National Action Plan on Gender and Government’s Accountability for Budget Allocation and Release, and Monitoring of the Budget Utilisation.
The keynote speaker Mrs Josephine Effah-Chukwuma a leading Activist on gender based violence and women’s human rights in Nigeria and currently the Executive Director of Project Alert on Violence against women and support victims in Nigeria, stressed on the basic objective of the training, which was on how to hold the Government’s accountable for budget allocation and release, monitoring of the budget’s utilization and Gender Responsive Budgeting for VAWG/GBV/HP.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Condemns The Invasion Of The Privacy And Attack On The Person Of Dr. Joi Nunieh
FIDA condemns totally the current media drama playing out on the spat between the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Dr Joi Nunieh, the former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The unfolding events, allegations and counter-allegations have been most unfortunate, unbelievable and damning, completely shocking to Nigerians. The fight between key officers of the commission and the supervising ministry is a show of shame at a time when most Nigerians are challenged by the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
There are laid out protocols, processes, procedures and proper channels to tackling grievances, conflicts and disputes within corporations without removing the confidence of the people in the institution set up to offer succor to the people.
We demand responsibility, decorum and accountability from our leaders and persons in authority. Best practices must be used in all dealings.
Accordingly, a person’s gender and marital status in life are of no consequence to how efficient and meritorious their service and work culture would be.
Section 42(1) (a) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of Nigeria provides that no one should be discriminated against by reason of ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion arising out of any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government
Reference can also be made to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, an international treaty adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly for which Nigeria is a signatory. These provisions cannot be undermined.
FIDA Nigeria condemns in its entirety the invasion of the privacy and attack on the person of Dr Joi Nunieh, the former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Senator Godswill Akpabio has by these actions breached his oath of office and Section 42 of the Constitution which forbids discrimination on the basis of sex and the provision of Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (International Treaty) which Nigeria is a signatory.
Similarly, all allegations of sexual harassment, assault and violence must be investigated. These are weighty allegations which must not be covered up particularly at a time when a State of Emergency has been declared by the Federal Government against all forms of Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
FIDA stands to defend and advocate for the protection of all human rights. Therefore, a woman’s pride, respect and dignity must be assured against any form of discrimination and abuse; we totally reject any assault on womanhood.
Women should not be ridiculed nor any aspersions cast on them by reason of measuring their success or failure at work or in life on the basis of their private matrimonial status. There is no proof to support that marriage ensures proficiency of women in their workplace. The insinuation is in itself derogatory
We call on President Muhamadu Buhari to promptly intervene in this matter to ensure a prompt resolution to this crises; the prosecution and punishment of all who have a case to answer and the need to put in place measures to reform the NDDC so the people of the Niger Delta can still enjoy the benefits which ought to accrue to them in terms of development and progress.
Justice must be seen to be done.
Signed for FIDA Nigeria:
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria in collaboration with the Spotlight Initiative host a training of CSOs on the provisions of National Action Plan on Gender in the FCT
As part of efforts to grow and sustain partnerships in the fight against Sexual and Gender based violence, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria Abuja branch implemented a two-part Spotlight Initiative project targeted at training other Civil Society Organizations on the following:
a. Concept of Gender Based Violence, which held on the 23rd of June 2020. The training addressed salient issues on gender based violence, reproductive health rights and considered all relevant applicable laws. In attendance were FHI 360, DEVATOP, LEDAP.
b. Provisions on the National Action Plan on gender and government’s accountability for budget allocation and release and monitoring of the budget utilization. This held on the 10th of July 2020. In attendance were WRAPA, WLI, SGBVRT, SOAR.
by FIDAFIDA NIGERIA DISTRIBUTES PALLIATIVES IN ASO PADA COMMUNITY MARABA
FIDA Nigeria, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, distributed a variety of food and other items as palliatives to indigent women in Aso Pada community in Maraba border settlement between Nasarawa and Abuja on 11th of June, 2020
The occasion also served as an Advocacy visit to the community as they were sensitized on topical issues such as Gender Based Violence (GBV), Defilement & Rape; also on the Covid19 Pandemic and the need for compliance with Federal Ministry of Health guide lines
The FIDA Nigeria County Vice President, Rhoda Prevail Tyoden while addressing the women emphasized the need for parents to be more watchful over their children/wards to prevent such evil acts on them and encouraged victims and their parents/guardians to also speak out rather than covering it up.
The Paramount need to likewise educate the boy child on the evils and dangers of GBV was pointed out. FIDA Nigeria, Abuja State Branch also attended the outreach/advocacy visit and ably supported FIDA Nigeria.
FIDA Nigeria protecting, sensitizing and supporting the vulnerable in our communities.
by FIDAJustice M. L Bello Commissions FIDA Kaduna Legal Clinic and Counselling Centre
The Hon. Chief Judge of Kaduna State Hon Justice M. L Bello, Commissions FIDA Kaduna Legal Clinic and Counselling Centre, donated to FIDA by Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa in company of the former A.G Kaduna State Mrs. Joana Kadiya, the Controller of Corrections Kaduna State Command and the Chairman NBA Kaduna Branch S.A Audu.
by FIDAChief Phoebe C. Ajayi- Obe (Erinle) SAN 1928 – 2020
FIDA Nigeria mourns the passing of a great Fidan, Pioneer Chairperson FIDA Nigeria Oyo State Branch .
‘Mama’ as she was fondly called, was indeed a great inspiration to many; an exemplary leader who led a very impactful life, touching different lives as a mother, friend, sister, colleague, associate and mentor.
She was resolute in her cause of positively improving the lot of women and children, particularly in Oyo State.
This is a great loss to all Fidans, especially Fida Oyo State branch and NBA members. Our Learned Silk, will be sorely missed.
FIDA Nigeria wishes to express her most sincere condolences to the family of our dear Mama P. C. Ajayi-Obe (Erinle).
May her soul rest eternally in the bosom of the Lord. Amen
by FIDAFORD FOUNDATION
- Work with Gatekeepers including Women Leaders, Youth, Religious Leaders and Traditional Rulers to Address Social Norms that Negatively Affect the Status of Women and Entrench Violence Against Women And Girls: The project is aimed at mitigating the incidence of GBV in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 2 communities/Local Government Areas each of Ekiti, Lagos, and Plateau states by altering the social norms, beliefs and traditional practices in the target communities through community-led change.
by FIDACall for Applications
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-profit, non-governmental organization made up of over 2,000 female lawyers with several years’ experience in utilizing the law to address social problems in Nigeria. The organization’s mandate is the enhancement, promotion, protection, and preservation of the rights and welfare of women and children in Nigeria FIDA Nigeria implements key projects and activities aimed at providing access to justice to indigent persons, particularly women and children.
FIDA Nigeria is recruiting to fill the position below:
Job title: Programme Officer Locations: Ekiti, Rivers, Plateau and Lagos
Vacancy Type: One-year fixed-term, renewable
The individual will work on a Ford-Foundation funded project on – “Work with Gatekeepers which includes Women Leaders, Youth, Religious Leaders, and Traditional Rulers to Address Social Norms that Negatively Affect the Status of Women and Entrench Violence Against Women and Girls”. FIDA Nigeria seeks to mitigate the incidence of gender-based violence in two communities/local government areas of Ekiti, Rivers, Plateau, and Lagos states, through community-led change, by altering the social norms, beliefs and traditional practices that subjugate women and girls in the target communities. Many acts of gender-based violence stem from traditional and religious practices and beliefs. Thus, it is necessary to invest in attitudinal/behavioural change of individuals as well as community shifts from harmful cultural practices.
The programme officer will work under the overall guidance and supervision of FIDA Nigeria National President/Country Vice President, National Secretary, and other National Executives, and report to them through the programme manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out the following tasks:
- Under the supervision of the National Program Manager, provide technical leadership on the implementation of the project in the state.
- Plan and implement project activities in the state in close collaboration with the resident FIDA state branch and proactively deal with arising challenges, nuances, or changes.
- In collaboration with the resident FIDA State branch, develop and maintain stakeholder and network relationships which are essential to the successful implementation of the project.
- Develop products and prepare project and activity reports, technical briefings, background papers, and update notes for the project in the state.
- Contribute to the adherence to donor/grant requirements, including financial standards.
- Collaborate with the accounts staff to ensure the proper management of financial records, including the provision of complete documentation for requests and retirements.
- Support the smooth and effective flow of communication with FIDA Nigeria and the state branch.
- Support the programme manager and other project staff in following-up communication with partners, including official letters, requests for technical assistance, and the process of identifying participants and national experts, including trainers, for activities under the project.
- Represent (with approval from the Branch Chairperson and program manager) the State Branch at meetings, workshops, etc., and report back to the respective persons.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the National Executive Committee, Branch Chairperson, or Program Manager.
Competencies
- Professionalism:
- Demonstrates professional competence in women and children’s rights and rule of law as well as, knowledge of relevant laws;
- Demonstrates a good understanding of the Ford-Foundation funded project to mitigate the incidence of gender-based violence, through community-led change, by altering the social norms, beliefs, and traditional practices that subjugate women and girls in the target communities.
- Demonstrates knowledge of programme management cycle, including monitoring and reporting;
- Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues with a display of persistency;
- Commitment and passion for work and achievements;
- Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results;
- Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
- Display of persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and ability to remain calm in stressful situations;
- Ability to incorporate gender and child rights perspectives in the project and activities.
2. Teamwork:
- Ability to collaborate with colleagues within and outside of FIDA Nigeria to achieve organizational goals;
- Ability to solicit inputs by genuinely valuing the ideas and expertise of others;
- Willingness to learn from others;
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Minimum required experience:
- 4 years’ work experience in advocacy for women and children’s rights issues.
- Experience in project implementation.
- Experience in community relations and mobilization.
2. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following: Political Science, Law, or any discipline in the Social Sciences.
3. Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English & any prominent local language spoken in the State is desirable.
Qualified candidates should send curriculum vitae and cover letter addressed to the Country Vice-President/National President to fidanigeria@yahoo.com.
The subject of the e-mail should be “Application for the Position of Programme Officer [State]”.
Deadline: July 3, 2020.
Please note that Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and location of Project.
by FIDADay of The African Child
Let’s put plans in place to protect and secure the future of our Children who are entitled to enjoy their childhood! Let all States adopt the Child Rights Act (2003) which provides for the protection of the child in all ramifications. The Best Interest of the Child is Paramount in all things.
by FIDACP SOKOTO PLEDGES SUPPORT TO FIGHT AGAINST SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje on the 11th of June 2020, received a delegation of International Federation of Women lawyers (FIDA), Sokoto branch at the State Police Headquarters. In her remarks, the chairperson of the delegation Mrs. Aishatu Abdullahi Illo, stated that the federation aims to advance and promote rights of children and women, however, the purpose of the visit was to advocate for reforms, regarding gender-based violence and rape considering the rising spate of the menace in the country.
In his response, the CP thanked the team for the timely visit in the wake of calls to end all forms of sexual and gender-based violence nationwide. He added that such cases have drastically been reduced in the state, following his zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence upon assumption of office. He further urged the delegation to step up their quest to involve governments at all levels and well-meaning individuals with a common goal. The CP finally pledged support to fight against sexual and gender-based violence, also charged the delegation to review legal frameworks to enable curtailment of rampant divorces and to cater for divorced women.
Also speaking, DC SCID, DCP Charles Mozie emphasized on the need to enlighten families of rape victims to support investigations and cushion psychological effects on victims, he equally called for diligent administration of criminal justice.
